In the Market for A New Car? Tips to Ensure You Don’t Buy a Box of Troubles #ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

Once you have made the decision to buy a car, it is tempting to want to get it NOW! The fact, however, is that buying a car is a big purchase and it is advisable to contain your excitement. It is also a good idea to do some research and tick some boxes in order to eliminate the chances of buying yourself a box of troubles. According to an article on Forbes.com, the number one mistake made when purchasing a vehicle is not doing your homework![1]

Do that homework

Start off by knowing the market value of the car you like before you consider buying. Knowing the market value, for both new and second-hand options, will allow you to tell whether the seller is overcharging or not. It’s also a great idea to look at reviews of the car you prefer to see what drivers are saying about it. It’s also a good idea to get an idea of the upkeep and maintenance costs too. It is best to go into the sale equipped with all the knowledge available to you.

What questions should you ask the seller?

It’s really important that you ask direct questions about the car. Some private sellers may think that they can sucker you into buying a problem car.

The questions you should ask include:

• How old is the car?
• How many previous owners have there been?
• How many kilometers has the car done?
• Does it have a full-service history?
• Has the car been in any accidents? 
• Does the car have an existing warranty or maintenance plan? 

You will need to ensure that you receive honest answers to these questions, so it is a good idea to take someone experienced with you.

Perform an inspection and test drive

Dealerships, who are part of the Imperial Auto group allow customers to perform inspections, but with a private seller, this might be difficult to arrange. If you are able to arrange an inspection of the car with the seller, then you will need to inspect it both internally and externally for any damages or irregularities. 

During your test drive, you will need to listen out for any strange noises coming from the engine. You will also need to feel the suspension and note how the steering and brakes feel on both town roads and on the highway.

Taking a car for a test drive at a dealer, as an Imperial Auto dealer is really easy to arrange. Just don’t forget to take your valid driver’s license with.

Inspect the paperwork

Even if the car looks great, drives well and the price is right, the next vital step in the buying process is to inspect the paperwork. Ask to see the ownership documents and any service documents, and the car logbook. The benefit of buying your car through a reputable dealer is that they make sure all of that is done for you.

For more useful info on purchasing your first car visit: https://imperialauto.co.za/first-time-buyer and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperial.auto.sa.

[1] https://www.forbes.com/pictures/ehlg45edej/mistake-1-not-doing-your-homework/#2f79a77d18d1

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

5 Tips for First-Time Car Buyers and New Drivers #ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

Learning how to drive and passing your driver’s license is a major life milestone. Now that you have that little card in your hands – the next step is to get your own set of wheels. 

Buying your first car can be quite daunting – that’s why we have put together these 5 tips to help you through the process: 

1. Do your research before and during the car-buying process

Car-buying research includes searching for the make and model of your desired car and making sure there aren’t any major consumer complaints, recalls, or safety-related defects. Just because you like the look doesn’t mean it’s a good first-time car. It’s important to keep your emotions at bay when researching your ideal first vehicle. Research the costs of fuel consumption, maintenance, and repairs.

2. Establish a budget

Be realistic with your car budget. If you have to pay for the car yourself, this is an important time to demonstrate responsibility. While the best option would be to pay cash, usually that’s just not possible. Most car buyers need some sort of financing.

Remember that you don’t only need enough for the monthly repayments, you also need to take into account: insurance, maintenance, registration, repairs and of course petrol. South Africans currently spend more on fuel than on new cars.¹ 

With this in mind, it may take you some time to figure out what car you can, but it’s definitely worth it.

3. Look for Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Certified pre-owned vehicles are the best kind of used car you can buy. Instead of buying a new car, visit your nearest reputable car dealership and let them assist you in finding a pre-owned vehicle that’s right for you.

4. Inspect the car, inside and out

In addition to a visual inspection of the inside and outside of the vehicle, you’ll want to take it for a test drive. Now is the time to find out the history of the vehicle – ask questions like:

• How old is the vehicle?
• What mileage has it done?
• Does it have a full-service history?

For more info on what to look out for check out this article.

5. Secure financing

When financing your new vehicle, try to put at least 20% percent down. This makes it a lot less likely that you will default on your loan. The more money you put down, the more secure your purchase will be and the less your monthly repayments will be.

Before you approach a bank for a loan, check with the dealership. They often have better financing options if you are purchasing the car from them. And since all the payments and purchases come from one place, it makes things a lot simpler.

For more useful tips on purchasing your first car visit blog and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperialauto.co.za/

¹ https://www.businessinsider.co.za/south-africans-now-spend-more-on-fuel-than-on-new-cars-2018-7

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

6 Tips to Ensure YOU Are NOT a Victim of a Car Sale Scam! #ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

If you are starting up your own business, you will need to purchase all the tools and equipment you need to be able to operate it. Managing to obtain all the essential tools is a great achievement! If, however, your business requires you to go places – meet people, fetch and carry things – you’ll need to buy a car.

Where does one start? How do you go about purchasing the correct pre-owned vehicle for your business? Do you need a bakkie or a passenger car? Is it advisable to buy a used car for business purposes? Where do you go to find a reliable and affordable car? 

The first thing most people do is search online, here you will find a lot of used cars being sold by both private sellers and car dealers.

The process of buying a vehicle requires research and guidance, as there are so many fraud and new car scams floating around on the internet. According to an article featured in BusinessTech in January, a Sunday Times report claimed that approximately 20,000 vehicles are illegally registered and sold in South Africa each year.[1]

Here are a few useful tips to ensure you get the best car deal and avoid being scammed:

Avoiding scams

If a car is offered at a much cheaper price, ask yourself why? “If it looks and sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Make sure the seller has a valid address and telephone number – be wary of mobile phone numbers, always visit the seller at his/her home and never buy without seeing and driving the car first.

Payment

Never send money overseas – it’s often the preferred method of a fraudulent seller acquiring money illegally. Only pay for the car when you physically collect it from the seller. Be wary of requests for upfront payments or private information, a false sense of urgency or requests to provide unnecessary details – it could be a car export scam.

History check

It is important to make sure you have a history check on any car you’re interested in purchasing. It will tell you whether it is:

• Recorded as stolen, written-off, or scrapped
• Recorded as previously repaired by an insurer after an accident
• Has outstanding finance or has been leased
• It can also uncover mileage discrepancies and confirm registration details, the number of owners, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as well as other original details. This allows you to confirm details with the seller against the car’s paperwork
• History checks are also available for bikes and vans

The benefit of buying a car from a reputable car dealer like Imperial Auto is that they can provide you with the history check.

Test drive the car

It’s really important that you physically check the car and see the documentation. Never buy without seeing or driving the car first, preferably in daylight when it’s easier to spot damage.

Ask the seller if you can see the original NATIS (registration document) and Road Worthy Certificate. Check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on these forms is the same as that on the car. This number is commonly found on the chassis or on the windscreen.

Price

Always check the car’s market value by getting a valuation or comparing the price with other similar models advertised. If it’s being offered at a much cheaper price, ask yourself why.

Paperwork

You must see the original NATIS (registration document), service history and Road Worthy Certificates before handing over any money. Ensure all documents are the originals and not photocopies.

Another option – that a lot of people never even consider because they assume it would cost a lot more (and it doesn’t!) – is to go to a trusted car dealership, such as Imperial Auto and see what deal they could give you on a pre-owned vehicle. The great thing about using reputable Imperial Auto dealers, is you are guaranteed that the car is not stolen or rebuilt.

They have car dealerships nationwide - so you can find one near you. You will need to present your valid driver’s license and you will be able to take the car for a test drive. They are also able to assist with financing and will help work out what your monthly payment and additional running costs will be.

For more useful info on purchasing your first car visit: https://imperialauto.co.za/first-time-buyer and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperial.auto.sa.

[1] https://businesstech.co.za/news/motoring/293210/beware-second-hand-vehicle-scam-in-south-africa/

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!